Following the government’s announcement that all of Bedfordshire will move into Tier 3 from Saturday morning, the game will take place behind closed doors.

Town have a 100 per cent winning record with fans at Kenilworth Road this season but will instead look to continue their good home form and avenge their midweek defeat to Middlesbrough.

Nathan Jones said:

(Listen to Nathan’s post-Middlesbrough interview via the link down below)

“This is the Championship, this is the level we want to compete at, so we can’t be saying we want an easy game now.

“There is no easy game, these are a good side, they (Middlesbrough) have been in unbelievable form but there is no difference in either side in terms of approach, in terms of the way we go about it.”

Who?

High-flying Bournemouth were relegated from the Premier League last season after five successive seasons in the top flight.

Similarly to the Hatters, the Cherries enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions, starting 2010 in League Two and five years later were in the Premier League.

The Manager – Jason Tindall

Jason Tindall took over duties following Eddie Howe’s departure after last season and has carried on the good work with this Bournemouth team.

Tindall, who was assistant to Howe as the club progressed through the divisions, and his team currently occupy 2nd place in the league and could go top with a victory.

Main Threat – David Brooks

After a long spell on the sideline last season and early this campaign too, David Brooks has been in sensational form as of late, providing three goals and five assists.

The Wales international is extremely creative and a highly regarded youngster who burst onto the scene with Sheffield United, before switching to the South Coast in 2018.

When and where?

Kick-off is 3pm at Kenilworth Road on Saturday 19 December.

Man in the middle?

The referee for Saturday’s contest is Dean Whitestone, who took charge of the Hatters’ 2-1 victory against Derby County earlier on this season. He has officiated 12 matches this campaign, dishing out 19 yellow cards.

Played before?

The two sides last met in the FA Cup third round last season and Bournemouth were 4-0 victors that day.

Follow the action

The only way to watch the action from Kenilworth Road is via iFollow Hatters.

Season ticket holder iFollow codes for the Bournemouth game have been distributed by email.

Match passes to watch the 3pm kick-off are now available to purchase by clicking the image at the foot of the page.